Former X-MEN ’97 Showrunner Shares Original Plan for Wanda Maximoff in DOCTOR STRANGE 2

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As a seasoned gamer and Marvel fanatic with over two decades of comics under my belt, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia and intrigue when it comes to the abandoned plot for Wanda Maximoff in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Previously, Beau DeMayo, the creator and showrunner of the 1997 X-Men series, has disclosed an alleged original plot for Wanda Maximoff in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. He reveals that this version of the film would have portrayed Wanda as a hero instead of the main antagonist, only to turn into the movie’s greatest threat until a surprising twist where she ended up killing a cherished character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This discarded storyline offers an intriguing and tantalizing peek at what could have unfolded on screen. However, it remains uncertain whether DeMayo’s account of this narrative is completely accurate.

Marvel Studios surprisingly parted ways with Beau DeMayo in March, just before the release of X-Men ’97 on Disney+. Since then, tensions between the two parties have escalated further. However, this does not necessarily imply that DeMayo is falsifying his claims about Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness or Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff in Doctor Strange 2. At present, his statements should be regarded as unverified information.

Indeed, much of what DeMayo proposes aligns well with the unchallenged official accounts. His arguments concerning Wanda’s story also appear convincing.

DeMayo shared thoughts on a ComicBookMovie.com story concerning the abandoned plans for the Doctor Strange sequel, which was discussed by Twitter user @MyTimeToShineH. The article hinted at concept art suggesting a distinct narrative from what the Marvel Cinematic Universe eventually presented. Initially, Wanda Maximoff and Doctor Strange were supposed to join forces promptly to pursue the film’s antagonist. Instead of Scarlet Witch, it was Nightmare who would have been the main villain. However, Kevin Feige decided to opt for a completely different approach in the final production.

Although the assertion regarding Scarlet Witch’s narrative hasn’t been validated yet, it could provide an explanation for a notable alteration in the production team. Specifically, the original director of the film, Scott Derrickson, parted ways with the sequel in 2020. He explained that his departure was due to creative disagreements, and since then, he has confirmed this as the actual reason.

Initially, Sam Raimi was not involved in directing, but later agreed to do so. Michael Waldron, known for his work on Loki, wrote the script instead, with significant revisions made to Raimi’s original screenplay. In the final cut of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Wanda Maximoff was the primary villain from the beginning. DeMayo has recently disclosed more behind-the-scenes details about the original plot for Doctor Strange 2, revealing that it delved deeply into uncharted territory.

Indeed, the original drafts accurately portrayed Wanda’s situation. After Westview, Wanda was filled with remorse for her actions and was by Strange’s side as he recuperated. Together with Wong, Chavez (who she mentors), they vanquished Nightmare across multiple realities. During this journey, she also encountered her counterparts who were contentedly raising their children.

— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) September 12, 2024

Through a series of tweets, DeMayo detailed how early drafts for the “Doctor Strange 2” script gave Wanda Maximoff a fitting portrayal. This treatment included a dramatic twist that could have become one of the most memorable moments in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) history. Here’s what DeMayo revealed about Scarlet Witch and Doctor Strange 2 in his thread:

Wanda was with Strange recovering after Westview, feeling bad about what she did. She helps him, Wong and Chavez (who she tutors) beat Nightmare across Multiverse, where she also sees her variants happy with her kids.

Still, Wanda resists and she — not Chavez — helps Strange save the day against Nightmare, who turns out to be a Darkhold-corrupted Strange variant. Also, she used her experiences in WandaVision to warn Chavez about abusing her power.

Following her heroic actions, overcome by a longing to reunite with her children, Wanda – tears streaming down her face – separates from Strange and inadvertently beheads Wong as he attempts to prevent her escape into the multiverse. This tragic event served as the film’s suspenseful ending.

…Damn. That all sounds great, including the Nightmare/Doctor Strange Variant twist.

DeMayo also expressed that the story seemed much more logical compared to what was eventually presented. In his words, “Even when she escapes, Wanda is riddled with guilt in a typical comic book style and continues to apologize to Strange as she disappears, leaving him with his deceased friend’s corpse.

Independent of your stance on DeMayo’s viewpoint or doubts about its validity, it’s undeniably intriguing to ponder the scenario he proposes. Regardless of whether a Wanda Maximoff storyline would have resulted in a superior movie (and potential sequel), there’s one point we can all find solace in: Wong continues to be part of our cinematic universe.

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2024-09-16 22:02